B.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biochemistry and molecular biology is the branch of science that examines life at the molecular level. Students will use the basic tools of chemistry and biology to dissect how organisms, cells, and molecules function. This major is rigorous, but provides flexibility to adapt to a student’s individual interests.
Small class sizes mean that you will have plenty of individualized attention from your professors. Classes are held in the state of the art Science Center. Learn more about our facilities and equipment.
Research and internships will prepare you for any opportunity you encounter. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology majors are required to complete a research requirement for graduation. This requirement can be fulfilled by a research based laboratory course, independent research studies at Otterbein or in nationally recognized summer research programs. Learn more about research at Otterbein.
We also work with students to help match them with area hospitals, veterinarians, dentists, and pharmacists to provide the relevant internship and volunteer experience that is so crucial for future success.
Following graduation, many of our students enter graduate programs in the sciences, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician’s assistant school, genetic counseling, or optometry. Others enter work directly for biotech companies, area research facilities, and hospitals. This degree also provides a solid foundation for other careers in education, business, marketing, law, and public policy.
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major is an interdisciplinary major supported by the Department of Biology and Earth Science and the Department of Chemistry with disciplinary accreditation and approval through the American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Four Year Curriculum Outline
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| Year 1 | General Biology I General Chemistry I Calculus I Integrative Studies Course 1 |
General Biology II General Chemistry II Calculus II Integrative Studies Course 2 |
| Year 2 | Genetics Organic Chemistry I Integrative Studies Course 3 Language requirement 1 |
Cell Biology Organic Chemistry II Integrative Studies Course 4 Language requirement 2 |
| Year 3 | Biochemistry I, Biomolecules and Metabolism Elective Physics 1 Integrative Studies Course 5 |
Molecular Genetics Biochemistry II, Proteins and Enzymes Physics II Integrative Studies Course 6 |
| Year 4 | Research Integrative Studies Course 7 Senior Year Experience Seminar Open |
Seminar Integrative Studies Course 8 Elective Open Open |
| Student Learning Outcomes | University Learning Goals (KMERI*) |
| Understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology and the key principles of biochemistry and molecular biology. | Knowledgeable |
| Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of the discipline. | Engaged |
| Ability to assess primary papers critically. | Multi-literate |
| Good “quantitative” skills such as the ability to accurately and reproducibly prepare reagents for experiments. | Knowledgeable |
| Ability to dissect a problem into its key features. | Inquisitive |
| Ability to design experiments and understand the limitations of the experimental approach. | Inquisitive |
| Ability to interpret experimental data and identify consistent and inconsistent components. | Knowledgeable |
| Ability to work safely and effectively in a laboratory. | Responsible |
| Awareness of the available resources and how to use them. | Inquisitive |
| Ability to use computers as information and research tools. | Multi-literate |
| Ability to collaborate with other researchers. | Engaged |
| Ability to use oral, written and visual presentations to present their work to both a science literate and a science non-literate audience. | Multi-literate |
| Ability to think in an integrated manner and look at problems from different perspectives and integrate knowledge from different science courses. | Multi-literate |
| Awareness of the ethical issues in the molecular life sciences. | Responsible |
| Prepared for biochemistry and molecular biology-related careers. | Engaged |
*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged, Responsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.
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